You are here

Holiday events

Share this:

November 21, 2011 // UPDATED 9:29 am - November 21, 2011

By: Mike Munzenrider and Josh Wolanin

Mike Munzenrider and Josh Wolanin

As the days become shorter, avoid the urge to hibernate this holiday season and get out to do something in Minneapolis. The city offers everything from holiday standards to holiday farce and events and attractions for young and old alike. Social life in the city doesn’t have to end with that first snowfall. Fill up your calendar and feel the holiday cheer.

A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater Thru Dec. 30

The Guthrie, 818 S. 2nd St., has featured its famous “A Christmas Carol” annually for more than 35 years. For a second season they are highlighting a new take on Charles Dicken’s ghost story with the new adaptation by British playwright Crispin Whittell. Feast your eyes on a stunning new set complete with intricate costumes and beautiful music. Tickets are $29–$73. For tickets or more information, call 377-2224 or visit guthrietheater.org.

———

Miracle at 824 Hennepin: Skyway to the Manger Zone

Thru Jan. 28

Brave New Workshop, at its new location at 824 Hennepin Ave., offers a show skewering the normal holiday madness, featuring new skits and holiday standards from the past. This will be the troupe’s first show in the new theater, which is also outfitted with a full bar to bring those holiday spirits further into the manger zone. For tickets go to tickets.bravenewworkshop.com or call 332-6620.

———Miss Richfield 1981: Thirty Years on the Throne

Dec. 2–18

The legendary Miss Richfield 1981 is back from Provincetown, per the mayor’s proclamation, ready to spread holiday cheer and hilarity once more at the Illusion Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave. For tickets call 339-4944 or go online to illusiontheater.org.

———

Meet authors Kevin Kling, Don Shelby, Beth Dooley and Lynne Jonell

Dec. 3, 10, 17

Signed books make for a special kind of holiday gift. Magers & Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., is holding signings with local authors the first three Saturdays in December. For more information go to magersandquinn.com or call 822-4611.

———

The Harty Boys Save Christmas

Nov. 25, 26, 27, Dec. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11

In this encore showing at Bryant-Lake Bowl, 810 W. Lake St., brother detectives, the Harty Boys, save Christmas from a criminal bent on ruining it for everyone in the Twin Cities. The show is fun for kids and adults alike, using local allusions and satire to tell the story. For tickets, call 825-8949 or go to bryantlakebowl.com.

———

Holiday Traditions at Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Nov. 28–Jan. 3

Since 1951 the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave. S., has transformed its American and European period rooms into holiday impressions from times past. They include special occasions like a representation of a Hanukkah celebration from the year 1770 in Providence, R.I. Early Christmas trees and Nativity scenes are also highlighted in the period rooms. Admission is free and tours are available upon request. For reservations or more information call 870-3131.

———Macy’s Annual 8th Floor Santaland

Thru Dec. 30

“A Day in the Life of an Elf” will be featured for Macy’s 49th annual holiday show on the 8th floor of its store at 700 Nicollet Mall. Each station will tell the story of Santa’s elves as they prepare for Christmas in the North Pole. Admission is free.

———

Ice Skating At The Depot

Named one of the top 10 places to ice skate in the country by USA Today and MSNBC, the Depot ice rink features glass walls for a brilliant view of the Minneapolis skyline, discounted group rates and a food and beverage bar. There’s nothing more Minnesotan than hitting the rink, and the Depot is the perfect place to do it. For more information or to reserve space, call 758-7873 or visit thedepotminneapolis.com.

———

Joy: A Holiday Cabaret

Thru Dec. 17

An Interact Theater production featuring Kevin Kling, Eriq Nelson and Interact actors. The show, directed by Tod Peterson, features original music and dance pieces at the Lab Theater, 700 1st St. N. For more info, call 616-1727 or visit thelabtheater.org.

———

Target’s Annual Holidazzle Parade

Nov. 25–Dec. 18

Famous storybook characters march from 12th Street to 4th Street along Nicollet Mall during “A Fairytale for All,” the 20th-annual Holidazzle Parade. Local choirs and marching bands will join the procession. Gather the family and stay warm with a cup of hot cocoa or cider under the Target Holidazzle Hot Seats between 11th and 12th streets. For information on prices, parking and directions call 376-7669, or visit the website at holidazzle.com.

———A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol

Nov. 25–Jan. 1

Dicken’s classic tale is moved to Bunyan Bay, Minn., where a bar owner swears off Christmas, goes on a snowmobile ride and ends up a coma. Ghostly visits ensue. The spoof plays at New Century Theater, 615 Hennepin Ave., Suite 145. For tickets or more info, call 1-800-982-2787 or visit hennepintheatretrust.org.

———Breakfast with Santa at Macy’s

Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17. 18

Macy’s, 700 Nicollet Mall, cordially invites you to an exclusive breakfast with the one and only Santa Claus himself. Fill up with your favorite breakfast treats and afterwards enjoy fun and games with the kids. To reserve a spot at Santa’s table, call 1-877-556-2297, starting Nov. 6.

———

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Dec. 15­–18

Pantages Theater, 710 Hennepin Ave., presents the story of the Christmas 1914 truce during World War I, told in the words of the men who lived it, that began when a German soldier left his foxhole and sang Stille Nacht. For tickets or more info, call 1-800-982-2787 or visit hennepintheatretrust.org.